Aberdeen boss Jim Goodwin is determined to eradicate any hint of a “defeatist mindset” against Rangers and Celtic.
Goodwin this week discussed with his players the danger of some teams going into games against the Glasgow giants believing they have no chance of winning.
He is determined that will never be the case at Aberdeen under his watch.
Goodwin believes part of his role as manager is to develop and strengthen players psychologically. To ensure they can go to venues like Ibrox and Parkhead with no fear, focused on winning.
He is confident that will be the case when in-form Aberdeen face second-placed Rangers in Glasgow on Saturday.
Goodwin reckons for inspiration of a “no fear” attitude, players should look to internationals Bojan Miovski, Ylber Ramadani and Duk.
He said: “We talked this week about how teams sometimes go into these types of games with a defeatist mindset.
“That is something we are trying to change here.
“We don’t want the players ever going into a game not believing they have a chance of winning.
“A lot of the time in life and in sport, it comes down to mindset.
“Some people have already lost the game before they get there.
“However, our guys are in a great place.
“They are feeling very good about themselves and there is a lot of confidence within the group.”
Developing players psychologically
Hibs boss Lee Johnson recently claimed players in Scotland are brainwashed into thinking they cannot beat Celtic and Rangers.
Johnson insists the dominance of that duopoly is so ingrained into the fabric of Scottish football, players expect to lose.
Goodwin is determined to ensure this is not an issue within Pittodrie.
The Dons boss is focused on delivering a team who are mentally strong enough to expect to beat Rangers and Celtic.
He reckons developing players psychologically is as important as their physical and tactical progress.
Goodwin said: “We talk about developing players technically and physically.
“Making them stronger, quicker and teaching them tactics.
“I also think you can help develop peoples’ mindsets and psychologically, I think we can all improve.
“We can all try to train ourselves to have a better focus and a better mindset.
“A bit more confidence and self-belief in ourselves – and in each other.
“I think that is rubbing off around the place with the rest of the group.
“There is a real air of positivity and excitement about the place.
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“I don’t sense any nerves or any anxiety.
“There are guys in the dressing room who want to go and test themselves against the best teams in the county.
“Right now Celtic and Rangers are the top two teams and we want to go and see how far away we are from bridging that gap.
“This Saturday gives us a great opportunity to do that.”
Goodwin demands ‘no fear’ at Ibrox
Goodwin will demand a team with no fear when facing Rangers and Celtic away from home.
He points to summer signings Miovski, Ramadani and Duk as evidence of the fearless self belief he wants.
North Macedonian international striker Miovski played in the World Cup semi-final play-off win over Euro 2020 winners Italy this year.
These players… Duk, Miovski and Ramadani don’t fear going into any games.
They are all senior internationals and are all made of top stuff.”
Aberdeen boss Jim Goodwin
Midfielder Ramadani, an Albanian international, has played against world champions France, Spain and England.
Duk came through the ranks at Portuguese giants Benfica and is a Cape Verde international.
Goodwin said: “These players, Duk, Miovski and Ramadani, don’t fear going into any games.
“They are all senior internationals and are all made of top stuff.
“These players respect opposition, but they don’t over-respect them.
“They believe they belong there, believe that they are capable of competing at that level against Celtic and Rangers.
“They back themselves and that is very infectious within the rest of the group.
“That is something that we need to continue to try to grow.”
Coulson returns after baby boy joy
Aberdeen will welcome back on-loan Middlesbrough left-back Hayden Coulson for the trip to Rangers.
Coulson missed the 2-1 win at Motherwell last weekend as his wife gave birth on the day of the game.
Winger Jonny Hayes is set to miss the Ibrox game due to injury.
Goodwin said: “Hayden Coulson is back after his wife had a baby boy last Saturday so he missed the Motherwell game.
“It will come too early for Jonny Hayes.”
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